How Men of Business is making a difference
Today’s young men face a range of challenges that can lead them down troubling paths. Thankfully, the Men of Business (MOB) Academy is offering a lifeline to boys who have disengaged from mainstream education, helping them build better lives.
Why MOB Was Created
MOB was founded with a simple yet powerful mission: to guide young men into adulthood equipped with respect, resilience, and responsibility. With the help of strong mentors and positive relationships, MOB has become a transformative space for boys currently from years 11 & 12 who need a fresh start. It is more than just a school—it’s a place where boys can develop not only academic skills but also life skills.
Since opening its doors in 2020, MOB Academy has made a massive impact on the lives of over 600 boys, many of whom would have otherwise fallen through the cracks. The numbers are impressive: Not only have these boys earned vocational qualifications, but they’ve also found jobs. The academy is a place of second chances, where young men can rediscover their potential and set themselves on a path to success.
The Growing Need
The need for programs like MOB is greater than ever. Youth disengagement, school dropout rates, and youth crime continue to rise, with some boys turning to destructive behaviour simply because they don’t see another way. Did you know that suspensions from’’ school are at an all-time high, and the cost of keeping one young man in the youth justice system can be as high as $680,000? Without intervention, many young men who leave school early face uncertain futures, often leading to long-term unemployment or worse.
MOB steps in to break this cycle. By providing vocational training, career guidance, mental health support, and even meals for families in need, MOB is creating real change. It’s a holistic approach that doesn’t just focus on education but on every aspect of a boy’s well-being.
The New MOB HQ
The next chapter for MOB is the creation of MOB HQ—a state-of-the-art facility in Southport that will open its doors in 2027. This centre will accommodate up to 450 boys and offer education, hands-on vocational training, a wellness hub, and even a community centre. The boys who come through MOB HQ will not only receive an education but will also learn trades and life skills that can set them on the path to a successful, fulfilling future.
. The Power of Community
None of this would be possible without the help of the local community. Building MOB HQ is a massive undertaking, and it will require the support of people who believe in giving these boys a brighter future. Thats why MOB has launched a major fundraising campaign, asking the community to buy symbolic bricks for $1,000 each. These contributions will help raise the funds needed to build the new centre and expand MOB’s life-changing work When we come together to support programs like MOB, we’re not just investing in the lives of these boys—we’re investing in a better future for everyone.
To donate or get involved, contact Marco and the Men of Business Academy team today. Your support could make all the difference.
Menofbusiness.com.au
Note: All donations are tax deductible.
What started as a small initiative by Marco Renai, a 2024 QLD Australian of the Year, has blossomed into an incredible program that’s changing lives on the Gold Coast. Now, MOB is launching its most ambitious project yet: the new MOB HQ.
